Ilithyia gazed out to the expansive vista from the villa balcony in the heart of Rome considering all that had happened in her life up until now. She drew in a deep breath as she clutched the missive she had written in her grip. She hesitated to do that which she must. Her mind wandered as she consider the past few months.
Ilithyia had lots of time to consider her life after Spartacus had released her. No, abandoned her in the woods, she thought ruefully. As she sat on the ground, she waited. Waited for Spartacus to reconsider leaving her there, but he did not return. The light waned in the forest quickly; more quickly than Ilithyia was used to. Her mouth was dry and parched from her nervousness and fear. Finally, Ilithyia gingerly rose from her kneeled position. She did not know which way to go. She had never been on her own, ever in her life. There were always family, friends, lovers and servants to cater to her every need. Ilithyia considered the sun's position thoughtfully; she knew from her school the directions as they related to the sun. After a few false starts, Ilithyia began her journey back to the world she knew. But which world did she return to? Everything was so disorganized from the world she always thought she knew. The distinctions of right and wrong so clear to her. However, Spartacus' words to her, "Your husband does not love you…" gave her pause to reconsider returning to Gaius. It was clear to Ilithyia she need not return to her husband, for she would not be welcome.
Ilithyia placed one foot in front of the other, hoping to reach a town or villa, but the forest kept its presence around her. She desperately needed to reach the road. Perhaps a traveler would show her pity and provide her conveyance to the nearest town. However, bandits and runaway slaves also traveled the road, which could be dangerous for Ilithyia.
As she walked, Ilithyia thought of the deception and betrayal by Seppia. Ilithyia thought of her friend, Lucertia. Amazing how Lucertia was her greatest enemy at one point, and now Ilithyia considered Lucertia her only true friend. Doubt always crept into Ilithyia's mind when it came to Lucertia, as it was not long ago Lucertia had so deceived Ilithyia regarding her request for a tryst with Crixus. Sending Spartacus in Crixus' place was a truly cruel act. Ilithyia's hand fluttered to her rounded abdomen. She had spoken the truth to Spartacus regarding the patronage of the life growing inside her. Ilithyia had not allowed herself to consider the truth and had never spoken of it to anyone. It was her burden to bear, literally. Having spoken the words aloud gave strength to the truth. Ilithyia finally allowed herself to believe them. The gods had truly intervened when Gaius discovered the vial of medicine to which Ilithyia could rid herself of the life inside her. If the child been no more, Ilithyia was convinced her life would have ended by Spartacus' hand. The life inside her had been her salvation; in more ways that one.
So deep in thought Ilithyia did not notice her feet had reached a stream. The wetness on her feet shocked her out of her thoughts. Ilithyia dropped to her knees and drank greedily. Her thirst was so great. Her hair and dress were soaked. Ilithyia took this time to wash her face and arms. So tired from walking, and her thirst relieved, Ilithyia climbed to the grassy embankment and fell into an exhausted, dreamless sleep.
Ilithyia awoke with a start as a hand touched her shoulder gently. Fear gripped her and her hand drifted to her abdomen reflexively. The man and young woman looked at her gently and with concern. Their clothes were fine and well made.
"Good god child! Are you alright?" The older man expressed with concern in his voice and manner. The young woman brought a blanket from the cart directly behind them, wrapping it around Ilithyia's shoulders.
"I am fine. You must please help me!" Ilithyia expressed urgently, gripping the man's forearm a bit too tightly in fear and concern. Her voice hesitated as she thought about revealing who she was. Did she want to go back to Gaius? Abandonment by a wife of a praetor was a serious offense, but Ilithyia knew for certain Gaius believed her dead. Does he reveal her identity and the fact she had been kidnapped by Spartacus? Was this her chance at a new life without Gaius? Ilithyia had many friends in Rome. Friends who would favor her over her husband, she could seek their protection. Many of her friends felt that Ilithyia had married at a disadvantage and that Gaius had only become praetor because of Ilithyia's greatly favored family. Of course, Varnius was still an option.
"My husband and I were set upon by bandits! I fear he may be late of this world. I ran for my life, and I have been walking for three days." Ilithyia was an adept liar when she needed to be. But her ordeal was partly true so the fear in her eyes was very real.
"Oh my" the young woman said breathlessly. After a few moments of discussion, the couple offered Ilithyia conveyance to their villa. From there they would see her back to her family in Rome. The gods had truly blessed and saved her from an unknown fate. Ilithyia climbed into the cart and quickly fell asleep again.
That had been eight months ago. Ilithyia gripped the missive in her hand tightly. She must do this. She must not consider herself, although her actions would ultimately benefit her. But the act of such action proved to be harder than she thought it would be. Her emotions swirled around in her heart. She turned at the sound in the room behind her. A young woman slave stood with her head bowed in deference to Ilithyia. Ilithyia considered the woman carefully. She had been recommended by a close friend, "You come to me highly recommended". Ilithyia stated pleasantly.
"Thank you" the young woman responded, her head rising ever so slightly. Ilithyia placed a finger under the woman's chin to consider her face. It was a pretty face, although more aged that the slave's actual years of life. Her eyes were clear and kind. Ilithyia smiled slightly.
"What is your name?" Ilithyia asked softly while she state on the chaise. Ilithyia raised her hand to offer a chair to the woman. The woman looked curiously at the fine stool near her, raising questioning eyes at the thought of sitting on such a fine item. Reluctantly, the slave sat gingerly, wary of a trick.
"My name is Aurea" the woman spoke softly, eyes bowed.
"Aurea. I have a task for you. A very important personal task." Ilithyia stated with emphasis, leaning towards Aurea, who was now looking directly at Ilithyia.
"Do you know of the rebel, Spartacus?" Ilithyia whispered as she leaned closer to Aurea, whose eyes were wide with fear. Aurea knew of Spartacus and his army. She knew slaves had been crucified in Capua for mere mention of his name. Area's lips drew tight together, not daring to say a word, shaking her head furiously in a negative manner. Aurea's fear was so great, she leapt to her feet to run, but was stayed by Ilithyia's hand on her wrist. Aurea's wide eyes looked to the wrist Ilithyia manicured hand held, to Ilithyia's face. Her lips trembled and her eyes watered.
"Do not be afraid. I seek only your assistance. I do not query if you are in league with the rebel." Ilithyia whispered urgently to sooth Aurea's frightened state.
"Thank you. But mere mention of his name is cause for punishment. Severe punishment." Aurea reminded Ilithyia. Ilithyia gently pulled Aurea to the chaise and sat. This way they could converse in more hushed tones.
"I need you to deliver a package to him. To Spartacus."
"To the man himself? I fear I do not have the slightest notion of where he may be. How am I to find him?" Aurea asked incredously.
"I have this information. Although it may be old, but it should not be difficult to locate his army." Ilithyia stated matter of factly.
"But what if I am caught?" Aurea asked worriedly, wringing her hands.
"You must not be caught." Ilithyia whispered forcefully. "All lives involved would be forfeit, including mine." Aurea appeared unconvinced.
"Your reward for delivering this package successfully will be your freedom." Ilithyia whispered as she looked straight into Aurea's shocked eyes.
"My freedom?"
"Yes. And I will give it to you before you leave to complete your task. I am faithful that you will complete this task as requested. Once completed, you have only to send word to me that the task is completed." Ilithyia moved away from Aurea to a chest on a table across the room. Lifting the lid, she removed a heavy sack of coins, and closed to where Aurea sat on the chaise. She held out the heavy sack in front of Aurea's face. Aurea reached up and gingerly weighed the sack. It was very heavy. More gold than Aurea would ever see in her lifetime. Aurea placed the sack in her lap.
"What is it you would have me deliver?" Aurea asked clearly. Ilithyia smiled sweetly, "A very important message, as well as a very precious item. One, which must be handled carefully and with care." Ilithyia reached up and remove the half moon collar from around Aurea's neck. It was the symbol of slavery in Rome. Aurea reached up to her neck, rubbing the area and reflecting on the loss of the collar's weight.
"I would have you leave tonight. Here is your letters of freedom from my family's house. You must keep these safe in order to travel. Also, the message you are to deliver is not to be read, by anyone, except Spartacus himself. The package as well must be delivered directly to Spartacus, no one other. Do you understand?"
Ilithyia was very specific on the instructions to Aurea regarding the remainder of her journey she as to begin. Ilithyia was placing all her faith in a slave; a slave that had no reason to deliver the message or the package now that she had her freedom and a fortune in gold. All Ilithyia could depend on was that the gods would bless her once more, as they had on her journey out of the forest.
